I've seen patches work well for people, but the common problem is that they don't see the whole program through. They decide they're ready to try it without the patch, and in a day or so, having a cigarette seems like an okay idea again.
There's also a prescription drug called xyban that curbs cravings for nicotine. Talk to your doctor about it.
Can't really answer the water question. A gallon a day seems okay to me, particularly if you're working out.
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